The negative stereotypes of today's youth are widespread and often self-serving. Many parents and educators blame these attitudes on the rise of media and social media. Despite the many positive things about these media and social technologies, these youths aren't always the best role models. This is reflected in their attitude towards the elderly. The following are some of the more common traits of today's youth.
Diversity. The social environment that we live in shapes our young lives and influences the way others perceive us. Early puberty is associated with more undesirable outcomes for girls than for boys, such as early sexual behavior and substance abuse. The challenges faced by minorities are often unique. But the negative traits of our youth are universal and largely a product of the environment and culture we grow up in.
Discrimination. A study published in 2000 found that many Americans believe that youth are not free of discrimination and are not fit for a higher education. However, few youth mentioned that no one influenced their vocational choices. Instead, most of them said that their parents had no influence over their choices. As a result, they were more likely to feel more positive about their choice of education or career.
Lack of support. Young people want to connect with adult people. They look to their parents for guidance. But too often, young people are left to themselves. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 51 percent of young people reported no career guidance from their parents or school counselors. Clearly, our society is failing to support our youth. It is not a good time to have a child who is not encouraged to pursue their dreams.
Millennials are working harder than their older counterparts. In addition, they have a lot more expectations than their elders. In the early 1900s, the roles of youths were simple: they either worked or went to school. Later, they went to school, but the stronger the economy, the more youths stayed in school. The same is true today.
The perceptions of youth are rooted in their perceptions of the individual. We may have unrealistic expectations, but we also have unrealistic beliefs. Despite the fact that we can't control what we perceive in our young people, we should try to understand their motivations. They aren't merely acting in their own interests, but they are also attempting to make themselves a better person.
